Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2009 Lexus ES
NHTSA data on file today
try.vin couldn't confirm NHTSA's recall list for the 2009 Lexus ES, so this page doesn't state a recall count — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for current campaigns. 28 owner complaints are on file.
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 14 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 3 complaints
- Electrical System 2 complaints
- Structure 2 complaints
- Unknown or Other 2 complaints
- Engine 1 complaint
Of the 28 complaints on file, 4 report a crash; across all 28 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Above average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $3,500–$6,500AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2009 Lexus ES has an above-average rating with few owner complaints, primarily related to airbags. Its reliability is strong, given the low number of issues across major systems, resulting in a lower likelihood of mechanical failures compared to similar vehicles.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| airbags | 70,000–110,000 miles | $300–$900 | common |
| vehicle speed control | 80,000–120,000 miles | $250–$800 | occasional |
| electrical system | 90,000–130,000 miles | $150–$600 | rare |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter change every 5,000 miles
- Brake inspection and service annually
- Air filter replacement every 15,000 miles
- Coolant flush every 30,000 miles
- Transmission fluid change every 60,000 miles
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Airbag warning light
- Sudden loss of speed control
- Electrical glitches
- Braking issues
- Steering vibration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2009 Lexus ES at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.